Cuban Artist El Taiger Dies at 37 a Week After Being Shot in the Head: 'Honor His Memory'

Mar. 15, 2025

El Taiger performs in February 2022 in Coral Gables, Florida.Photo:Johnny Louis/Getty

Johnny Louis/Getty

Cuban artist José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar, best known as El Taiger, died after suffering agunshot wound to the head. He was 37 years old.

The popular reggaeton singer died on Thursday, Oct. 10, in Miami, his family confirmed in an official statement posted on El Taiger’s Instagram Stories. His death came exactly a week after he was shot.

On Oct. 3, shortly after 7 a.m., officers responded to NW 17th St. 10 Ave and discovered the musician was shot in the head inside a black Mercedes SUV. Zaldívar was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center. Although he underwent surgery and was placed on life support, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

El Taiger in February 2022 in Coral Gables, Florida.Johnny Louis/Getty

“From the moment of his arrival, a team of physicians at Jackson Memorial worked tirelessly to provide him with the care he needed. We are extremely grateful. During this incredibly difficult time, family, friends and supporters joined together in prayer, hope and support, seeking a miracle. To all who offered their prayers, we thank you,” read the statement (originally written in Spanish and translated into English).“Sadly, this afternoon, El Taiger was pronounced dead and is now reunited with his beloved mother in heaven.”

El Taiger performs in November 2017 in Coral Gables, Florida.Johnny Louis/Getty

Miami Police are investigating his death. After the initial incident, on Thursday, Oct. 3, a Miami police spokesperson, Mike Vega, toldNBC 6that it has not been declared whether or not it was a self-inflicted wound.

Additionally, Zaldívar’s manager, Macel Reinosa, toldCBS News Miamithat there is a person of interest, noting that it is someone who knows El Taiger and that the person allegedly called 9-1-1. “Nobody in the team believes that he committed suicide, based on what they are saying on the bullet,” Reinosa said.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Zaldívar was known for his contributions to the Cubaton genre, a fusion of reggaeton and traditional Cuban rhythms. He released his debut album, Taiger, in 2016. The following year, he was featured on theFate of the Furiousmovie soundtrack with the song “La Habana.” He’s also known for his songs “La Historia,” “El Papelito,” “Habla Matador,” and “Rulay.”

Memorial service details will be released at a later date.

source: people.com